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Moving a Refrigerator Category: Moving Tips
 
Posted By:
Jeremy
8/12/2011
10:45 AM

It's Flashback Friday— each week, U-Pack will revisit a blog topic that's been helpful and fun for our readers. Be sure to check the comments section of each post for even more valuable moving advice!

Moving large items can be tricky if you don't have a game plan from the start. In this U-Pack favorite, a U-Pack Moving Expert explains tips for moving a refrigerator.

Refrigerators are expensive. If you're moving one, you want to make sure you do it right to keep it from getting damaged. 

Here are some great tips for moving your refrigerator safely:

Preparing your refrigerator to move

  • Turn it off. 24 to 48 hours before your move, turn off and unplug the refrigerator according to the refrigerator instructions. (Be especially careful if you have a water/ice dispenser – the water will need to be turned off and the water line disconnected.)
  • Empty and Clean it. Empty the contents and thoroughly clean and dry the defrosted refrigerator.
  • Stop the odor. Leave the doors open for several hours after defrosting to avoid mildew and a musty odor (you might even put an open box of baking soda inside to help with odors).
  •  Pack the pieces. Remove shelves, bins and any other loose parts, wrap any glass or fragile pieces with bubble wrap and pack them separately.
  • Secure for moving. Tape the doors shut, tape the cords to the back with packing tape and remove the toe board.

Loading your refrigerator

  • Use an appliance dolly. It will make moving big appliances much easier. 
  • Avoid laying the refrigerator on its side. When the refrigerator is on its side, the oil in the compressor can flow into the cooling lines. Then, when you turn it upright, the oil may not completely drain from the cooling lines and keep the refrigerator from cooling. Not good!
  • Wrap it. Wrap the refrigerator in furniture pads to avoid scratches.
  • Load it. Your refrigerator and other large appliances should be loaded into the moving trailer or moving container first.
  • Secure it. Tie your refrigerator down with moving straps or rope to keep it from shifting in transit. 

More to come about moving other appliances like your washer, dryer and electric or gas range.



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Comments
Name: Nora Krischel
Date: 7-11-2009
How much it will cost me if I will ask for help to pack my thing because I!m by myself, I! a widow
Name: Jeremy
Date: 7-13-2009
Nora,
Please call us at 800-413-4799 and we will gladly give you a free moving quote. If you need help just with your packing and loading, Moving Staffers is a great packing and loading company to check with. You can reach them at 1-888-409-6617.
Name: David Thompson
Date: 8-5-2009
I’m concerned about moving a refrigerator and putting it in storage. It has water & ice in the door and when I disconnect it from the water line, how do I get the water out of the inside of the refrigerator line so it doesn’t get mold/mildew in it?
Name: Dan Erskine
Date: 8-5-2009
After laying a refrigerator down for a move. Should you let it stand upright for a day or more so the oil can drain from the lines? Is there a limit on the length of time a fridge could stay laying down for a move. Would 6 hours be too long?
Name: Jeremy
Date: 8-6-2009
Dan,
Its best to avoid laying the refrigerator on its side to avoid the oil getting in the lines. I suggest checking with the manufacturer of the refrigerator.
Name: Jeremy
Date: 8-6-2009
David,
If you still have the instructions that came with your refrigerator, it should tell you the best way to disconnect and drain it. If you are missing the instructions, I've found the Appliance411 website to be helpful. http://www.appliance411.com/links/Appliance_Brands/
Name: Abby
Date: 10-9-2009
In order to prevent the musty smell, what can I put inside a refrigerator that’s going to be stored for a year?
Name: Jairo Cadena
Date: 10-8-2010
How does one store a refridgerator for a long time (i.e. 6 months)? Is it recommended to wedge a towel within freezer and refridgerator doors to allow for air circulation over long periods of time or is it better to keeep the doors shut? thank you, Jairo Cadena.
Name: Autumnn
Date: 10-11-2010
Jairo,
If you're storing a refrigerator for an extended period, it's a good idea to clean and dry it prior to storage. (Be sure to also drain the water/ice lines if the refrigerator is equipped with those features.) I would recommend leaving the doors partially open to allow for air flow--some even suggest removing the doors completely if possible. Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Name: tipster101
Date: 11-5-2010
other than draining the lines. I suggest closing the door. And if you have access to the refrigeratr during its time in storage, every nownd then open the doors for a minute or 2 at a time. I am a professional furniture restorator and do 90% of my work for moving companies. In short I am the neutral party between you (the customer) and the moving company when a claim is filed, (things are damaged). If anyone has any other questions about moving, furniture tips, anything really. Just ask! Ill respond to all quetions in due time. Thanks people!
Name: edy
Date: 10-7-2011
we want to disconnect one fridge cause we have 2, so is it a good idea to do it or is bad to leave it unplug for a ling time until we sell it?
Name: Autumnn
Date: 10-7-2011
Edy, if you're going to disconnect one refrigerator, it's recommended that you clean and dry it prior to storing it until you decide to sell. Also, try to leave the doors partially open to allow for air flow. I've even heard suggestions of removing the doors completely while in storage!
Name: Fiona Godfrey
Date: 12-21-2011
Hi
I had to move my fridgefreezer on its side and don’t have any details with it. Do you know approx how long to leave it stand before plugging in again?
Name: Autumnn
Date: 12-21-2011
Fiona, you may need to check the manufacturer's website for further instruction. The website Appliance 411 is also useful in providing specific model information.
Name: Gregory
Date: 12-29-2011
I will be moving a refrigerator tomorrow and I just found out that it should be unplugged 24 hours before. I do not have access to this refrigerator to pull out the plug. What if I cannot get it unplugged? It is not being moved far..only about 30 miles. will it be ok?
Name: Autumnn
Date: 12-30-2011
Gregory, I would check Appliance411 for specific model information--the mechanisms in each refrigerator can be affected differently. I would advise keeping the refrigerator upright during the move (the compressor and cooling lines can be damaged otherwise).
Name: Bob
Date: 1-15-2012
I am picking up a used refridgerator today. I do not plan to lay it down during the move. Do I need to wait a specific amount of time before I plug it in?
Name: Bob
Date: 1-15-2012
I am picking up a used refridgerator today. I do not plan to lay it down during the move. Do I need to wait a specific amount of time before I plug it in?
Name: Autumnn
Date: 1-16-2012
Bob,
Sounds like you're on the right track to move the refrigerator safely! I've heard it's good to wait 24 hours before using the unit after a move; you may want to check Appliance 411 for specific model information. Thanks for visiting the U-Pack blog!

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